Then the LORD said to me : “ Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me , My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence , and let them go.
- If they ask you , ... ‘ Where shall we go ? ’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says : ‘ Those destined for death , to death ; those destined for the sword , to the sword ; those destined for famine , to famine ; and those destined for captivity , to captivity. ’
I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers , declares the LORD : - the sword to kill , - the dogs to drag away , - and the birds of the air - and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah - did in Jerusalem.
- Who will have pity on you , O Jerusalem ? Who will mourn Who will turn aside to ask about your welfare
You have forsaken Me , declares the LORD. You have turned your back .... So I will stretch out - My hand against you and I will destroy you ; I am weary of showing compassion.
I will scatter them with a winnowing fork at the gates of the land. I will bereave and destroy - My people who have not turned from their ways.
I will make their widows more numerous than the sand of the sea. I will bring a destroyer at noon against the mothers of young men. I will suddenly bring upon them anguish and dismay.
The mother of seven will grow faint ; she will breathe her last breath. Her sun will set while it is still day ; she will be disgraced and humiliated. And the rest I will put to the sword in the presence of their enemies ,” declares the LORD.
Woe my mother , that you have borne me , a man of strife ... and conflict in all the land. I have neither lent nor borrowed , yet everyone curses me.
The LORD said : “ Surely ... I will deliver you for a good purpose ; surely I will ... intercede - with your enemy in your time of trouble , in your time of distress.
Can anyone smash iron — iron from the north — or bronze ?
Your wealth and your treasures I will give up as plunder , without charge for all your sins within all your borders.
Then I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know , for My anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you. ”
You understand , O LORD ; remember me and attend to me. Avenge me my persecutors. In Your patience ... , do not take me away. Know that I endure reproach for Your honor.
Your words were found , and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name , ... O LORD God of Hosts.
I never sat with the band of revelers , nor did I celebrate with them. Because Your hand was on me , I sat alone , for You have filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain unending , and my wound incurable , refusing to be healed ? You have indeed become ... like a mirage water that is not there.
Therefore this is what the LORD says : “ If you return , I will restore you ; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless , you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you , but you must not turn to them.
Then I will make you a wall to this people , a fortified wall of bronze ; they will fight against you but will not overcome for I am with you to save and deliver you , declares the LORD.
I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the Ruth -less. ”